Zhang Yu had no idea that someone already had their eye on the cabbage they’ve been raising at home. She and Zhao Hong had now arrived at Capital University. Today was graduation day. Many students were saying goodbye to each other, and some were taking photos to remember the day. Just like their own family, there were not many parents attending their children’s graduation ceremony. After all, for most people, graduation means their children can start working and earning money, so they don’t put too much emphasis on it. When they found Zhao Lei, he was still taking photos with his classmates. Upon seeing Zhang Yu and Zhao Hong, Zhao Lei happily ran over, "Mom, little sis." Then he called out to a classmate taking photos, "Mom, let’s take a picture together." Zhang Yu had originally thought of going to a photo studio for a commemorative photo, as today was a day worth remembering, the day of Zhao Lei’s university graduation. She hadn’t expected to be able to take photos here at Capital University, which was just great. The spot where Zhao Lei and his classmates had just taken pictures was indeed nice. The family of three took a photo together, with Zhao Lei holding his freshly minted diploma. Just as Zhang Yu thought the photo-taking was over, Zhao Lei waved at a girl standing quietly to the side, "Xiao Min." Zhang Yu and Zhao Hong were not unfamiliar with this name; although they hadn’t seen her, they had heard about her from Zhao Lei several times. Zhao Hong winked at Zhao Lei, "Mom, this is my college classmate Xiao Min." Xiao Min walked over with a smile and greeted Zhang Yu and the others warmly. Zhang Yu glanced at her a few times; Xiao Min was a poised young girl who gave off a particularly joyful aura. "Xiao Min, hello, I’m Zhang Yu, Xiao Lei’s mother." Zhao Hong looked at Zhang Yu, then at Xiao Min, "Sister-in-law, hello, I’m Zhao Hong, Zhao Lei is my brother, you can call me Xiao Hong." Zhao Lei couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. He had wanted to introduce Xiao Min to Zhang Yu and the family, but Xiao Min had always felt shy about it. Seeing them get along now, there shouldn’t be any issue, Zhao Lei thought with relief. "Uh, should we find a place to eat?" Zhang Yu checked the time; it was mealtime, "It’s just as well, we haven’t tried the cafeteria at Capital University yet." "Xiao Hong has been looking forward to this for a long time, always saying she wants to try the taste of Capital University’s cafeteria." If they didn’t eat there this time, Zhang Yu figured they might not know when the next opportunity would be. "Sure," Zhao Lei readily agreed, with Xiao Min joining them for the meal. On the way to the cafeteria, Zhang Yu learned about Xiao Min’s family background. Her grandparents and parents were also engaged in scientific research, and she had a brother who was in middle school. "Jing University Affiliated Middle School." Xiao Min knew that her future sister-in-law had good grades and had often heard Zhao Lei mention that his sister was also going to college. Xiao Min realized that her future mother-in-law was not someone who favored sons over daughters and would support girls going to college. The elders were all engaged in research work, and there was a younger brother in middle school. If things went as expected, he should also pursue a career in research. Zhang Yu kept glancing at Zhao Lei. She admitted that her son was quite smart and good-looking; she just didn’t expect him to have such an encounter. "Son, I really think you’re marrying up this time." Zhang Yu felt a bit uneasy and almost wanted to ask if his good job placement was due to Xiao Min’s family’s influence. And whether he had known Xiao Min’s family situation beforehand, which is why he pursued her. More importantly, Zhang Yu wanted to say, "Son, our family is just ordinary folks. You’ve found someone from such an aristocratic family, and whether or not I’m put through the wringer isn’t important." Zhang Yu was genuinely worried about her son being put in various awkward situations; what could they do then? "I pursued Zhao Lei." Xiao Min noticed the conflicted expression on Zhang Yu’s face, "Xiao Lei kept saying he didn’t agree." "Later, I said, then let’s start as friends." Xiao Min was quite worried at first. Even though Zhao Lei kept saying Zhang Yu was easy-going, no one would believe that entirely. As children, most would think their own parents are good. Follow current novᴇls on novel[f]ire.net Until today, Xiao Min had always been anxious, worried that Zhang Yu would know about her existence and be displeased in various ways. After talking with Zhang Yu for a while, Xiao Min finally relaxed, "Auntie, you really are a great person." Wow, just in a short time, she already thinks she’s a good person? Zhang Yu found it both amusing and frustrating to receive such praise from her future daughter-in-law. She seemed to have figured it out; this girl was indeed a simple-minded Northener, who says what she means and is straightforward. That’s good; Zhang Yu thought she was quite suitable for Zhao Lei. Otherwise, after a day of working hard and exhausting his brain cells, having to guess his wife’s thoughts at home would be too tiring. "Well, since you’ve both graduated and are going to work at the research institute, why don’t the families meet?" Since the two kids had found each other attractive and graduated from university, Zhang Yu wondered if they should settle the marriage. "This..." Zhao Lei looked at Xiao Min; this matter needed her input. "No problem, how about today?" Xiao Min didn’t see any issue in proposing such a plan about how the boyfriend’s family might react. "Just in time, my grandparents and parents are all here." Xiao Min realized that after she spoke, Zhang Yu’s expression became a bit awkward. The naive girl then belatedly realized she wasn’t very reserved and laughed sheepishly. Seeing Xiao Min’s silly smile, Zhang Yu could only be thankful that they had someone with no bad intentions in their family. Otherwise, with someone like her, she could easily be taken advantage of. As a task taker, of course, you hope your family can be a bit more peaceful, not involved in all sorts of outside drama, then come home to internal struggles giving others a show. "Today, it might not be possible, as nothing is prepared at home." Even if she was anxious about Zhao Lei’s marriage, you can’t be unprepared for anything. "No need, no need, my parents are suggesting just a meeting and a meal together." Xiao Min was unsure what to say next, fidgeting before glancing at Zhao Lei. "If there’s no problem, we’ll go apply for the marriage certificate." Zhao Lei interjected. So the families would meet today, and if all goes well, they’d apply for the marriage certificate? Zhang Yu was stunned by this turn of events. These days, weddings have been simplified, and the traditional matchmaking process has disappeared, but this seems overly simple. "Son, is there such a need to rush? Even if Xiao Min’s parents are busy with work, we can choose a day when they’re available." After all, it is the only son’s big life event; Zhang Yu didn’t want it to be so casually simple. "Mom, we have to leave for an out-of-town assignment in a few days." Zhao Lei said softly. Leaving for an out-of-town assignment in a few days? Just as Zhang Yu was about to speak, she thought, isn’t the research institute under the Metallurgical Department? Zhang Yu knew there was a research institute in the Capital City and was quite happy; at least her son’s job placement was indeed good and close to home. But now? Zhang Yu suddenly remembered a rumor and swallowed nervously.